A Durham-based nonprofit organization and its leadership are under scrutiny after allegations surfaced that employees across several states were not paid for their work. The president of CJF America, Kristen Picot, now faces criminal charges over payment issues, with investigations ongoing by both state and local authorities.
Key Takeaways
- President of CJF America, Kristen Picot, charged with four misdemeanors relating to unpaid wages
- Former employees claim they are owed thousands of dollars
- State Department of Labor and Durham Police are investigating
- Allegations include use of illegitimate website materials and testimonials
Criminal Charges Filed Against Nonprofit President
Kristen Picot, the president of CJF America, has been formally charged with four misdemeanors categorized as "simple worthless checks." This legal action follows over a month of investigative reporting and mounting pressure from former employees who claim they never received payment for their work, including participation in youth summer programs.
Employees Seek Accountability and Legal Recourse
Multiple former employees, including Crystal Graves, have pressed charges and spoken publicly about the financial hardships they’ve endured as a result of unpaid wages. The group alleges that the nonprofit owes thousands of dollars to individuals in North Carolina and other states. Some have turned to legal action, and at least seven former employees have filed lawsuits against the organization and its top leadership.
"We have people with mortgages, car payments, kids going off to college—this has caused real hardship," former staff have reported. Many say their attempts to collect wages have been ignored, while the nonprofit continued to operate and make public claims about its legitimacy and successes.
Questionable Practices and Ongoing Investigations
Further investigation revealed that CJF America allegedly used misleading information on its website, including fabricated logos and testimonials. Additional scrutiny was also directed at Courtney Jordan, the self-described billionaire founder of the nonprofit, who has thus far avoided public comment.
Attempts by investigative journalists to contact both the president and the chief financial officer of the organization have been largely unsuccessful, with little direct response regarding the pending wage disputes or the recent legal actions.
Legal and Regulatory Response
North Carolina’s Department of Labor, along with the Durham Police Department, have launched separate investigations in response to the growing number of complaints. The new misdemeanor charges against Picot mark an escalation in holding the organization’s executives accountable. Picot is expected to appear in court later this month. Meanwhile, affected employees continue to seek payment and public accountability.
The Broader Impact
The situation with CJF America highlights ongoing challenges faced by workers in the nonprofit sector when organizations fail to meet payroll obligations. The unfolding legal battle may set precedents for how such cases are handled across the state and beyond.
Further Reading
- Charges filed against president of NC-based nonprofit accused of not paying workers :: WRAL.com, WRAL.com.
